The "Teddy" project was one of the many emerging technologies showcased at Microsoft's two-day, in-house TechFest showcase this week. Teddy brings a big-brother twist to something in every toy chest  in this case, a teddy bear equipped with swiveling head, cameras and face-recognition software.

Microsoft General Manager of Strategy and Communications Kevin Schofield says that this year's TechFest is running 150 demos from all of the company's research labs around the globe. The event is generally limited to Microsoft employees (about 6,000 will visit this year) and a handful of journalists, professors and other honorary guests.

Though demos like Teddy and other flashy consumer-oriented displays attract the most attention, Schofield says that other displays reflect Microsoft's devotion to "getting the basics right."